Set your intention for a great first impression
When was the last time you consciously set out to make a fantastic first impression? We often think of first impressions as something we implement for job interviews and first dates, however, your path to excellence and success (no matter how you define success) is paved with conscious efforts to cause a series of big hits. impressions.
I was recently invited to speak with one of the largest and highest performing real estate companies in Virginia. The audience was a mix of seasoned professionals and enthusiastic new reps.
An exercise that I usually do with most audiences is to ask them to imagine that they are about to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. They are some of the best musicians in the world and they are about to perform a symphony to a sold out audience.
What do you think would happen if they went on stage wearing sportswear instead of formal wear? Would that affect the audience’s perception of them?
For tonight’s performance, we call upon the legendary Frank Sinatra. I had the honor of personally playing with Frank Sinatra, and one thing the entire orchestra agreed on was that he intentionally set out to make a staggeringly amazing first impression.
Frank Sinatra walked onto the stage with a big smile on his face, straight and fit, wearing a black tuxedo that fitted him perfectly. He made eye contact with his audience, making them feel like he was singing to them in his living room and they were guests of honor. the audience was hypnotized of Sinatra.
One example of success that everyone could use in their world today is to simply smile and dress in clothes that fit well. Also, stand or sit upright, don’t slouch.
Tap into your inner “Wow”
I asked my audience to imagine that they had just sold a half million dollar property. (and they earned a nice commission since they are real estate agents).
Each of them stood with their shoulders back, made direct eye contact, and spoke with clear enthusiasm.
The way you carry yourself creates an image in people’s minds. Your prospects don’t know if you’ve sold everything you’ve touched in the last 72 hours or if you feel like you can’t close a ziplock bag right now…no matter how you present yourself.
Remove from this example: Practice behaving in a safe manner.
Become a conscious achiever.
One of the best illustrations of the power of compliments came from Dr. George W. Crane’s psychology class at Northwestern University. Dr. Crane believed in applying his teachings, not just memorizing his lessons.
He created the Compliment club. Every day, his students had to pay an honest compliment to each of three different people… for 30 consecutive days. He also had the students write down the experiences.
Dr. Crane asked the students to write a topical article about their experiences. He wanted them to notice the changes they noticed in the people around them, as well as how this experience altered his own perspective.
The students found that by consciously complimenting others, they also felt motivated, encouraged and inspired. Dr. Crane believed that words of thanks are the most powerful force for good on earth.
Everyone in life needs positive encouragement to help them grow, inspire and motivate them to succeed.
Takeaway: Compliment 3 people every day for the next week and watch your life improve.
You’ll also notice that the more you compliment, the better you’ll connect with others.
Everyone loves to talk about themselves. Asking the right questions of the people you meet on a daily basis will deepen your relationship with them and also help uncover some “undercover customers.”
No matter what your job is, stay positive, think taller, dress nice, compliment someone every day, and write down what happens every day!
Training yourself to give honest compliments to others is a fabulous gateway to your success. By talking to people you wouldn’t otherwise talk to, you’ll expand your circle and build new, stronger relationships.
